Types of Haemorrhoids: Internal, External & Mixed

Understanding Different Types of Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids are classified into several types based on their location and severity. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper treatment selection and management. The main categories include internal haemorrhoids, external haemorrhoids, and mixed haemorrhoids, each with unique characteristics and treatment requirements. Our comprehensive piles treatment approach addresses all types effectively.

Internal Haemorrhoids: Location and Characteristics

Internal haemorrhoids develop inside the rectum, above the anal canal. They are typically painless because the rectal lining lacks pain-sensitive nerve endings. However, they can cause other symptoms including bleeding, anal pressure sensations, and sometimes prolapse during bowel movements. These are often the type causing feelings of incomplete evacuation.

Grading System for Internal Haemorrhoids

Internal haemorrhoids are classified into four grades: Grade I - bleeding without prolapse, Grade II - prolapse during straining but reduce spontaneously, Grade III - prolapse requiring manual reduction, and Grade IV - permanently prolapsed and cannot be reduced. This grading system helps determine appropriate treatment approaches in our piles treatment protocols.

External Haemorrhoids: Symptoms and Presentation

External haemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus and are covered by pain-sensitive nerve endings. They typically cause more discomfort than internal ones and may result in pain, swelling, itching (often described as sore bottom), and sometimes a hard lump if a blood clot forms, creating thrombosed external hemorrhoids. These rarely cause the anal pressure associated with internal types. Many people seek relief with hemorrhoids cream or piles cream for external haemorrhoids.

Thrombosed External Haemorrhoids

When blood clots form within external haemorrhoids, they become thrombosed external hemorrhoids. This creates a hard, painful lump that may appear blue or purple. While intensely painful initially, the pain usually subsides within a few days. These may occasionally burst, leading to bleeding and sometimes concerning haemorrhoid smells. Thrombosed hemorrhoids require professional piles treatment as creams like anusol cream or hemorrhoids cream won't resolve the clot. After healing, they may leave sentinel piles or anal skin tags.

Mixed Haemorrhoids: Complex Presentations

Mixed haemorrhoids involve both internal and external components, combining symptoms from both types. Patients may experience bleeding from the internal component and pain from the external component, making treatment more complex and often requiring comprehensive piles treatment approaches addressing both components.

Prolapsed Haemorrhoids: When Internal Piles Protrude

Prolapsed hemorrhoids occur when internal haemorrhoids extend outside the anal opening. Depending on the grade, they may return inside on their own, require manual replacement, or remain permanently outside. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can cause significant discomfort and hygiene challenges. While some people try piles cream or hemorrhoids cream for relief, prolapsed hemorrhoids typically require professional piles treatment for effective resolution.

Symptom Variations by Type

Different haemorrhoid types present with varying symptoms. Internal haemorrhoids may cause minimal symptoms beyond bleeding and anal pressure, while external ones typically cause pain and swelling. Mixed types can present with complex symptom patterns that may include both bleeding and significant discomfort, sometimes accompanied by concerning odours.

Treatment Approaches by Type

Treatment selection depends heavily on haemorrhoid type and severity. Internal haemorrhoids often respond well to office procedures like electrotherapy, while external ones may require different approaches. Mixed haemorrhoids typically need comprehensive treatment plans addressing both components. Learn how to use Haemorrhoid Centre effectively for optimal outcomes.

Haemorrhoid Centre's Specialized Treatment Approach

Haemorrhoid Centre's electrotherapy is particularly effective for treating internal haemorrhoids of various grades. Our specialists conduct thorough evaluations to determine your specific haemorrhoid type and develop personalized treatment plans that address your unique presentation and symptoms. Contact us for expert evaluation.

For comprehensive treatment information, explore our piles treatment guide and learn how to use Haemorrhoid Centre effectively. If you experience specific symptoms, read our articles on anal pressure and haemorrhoid smells. For general management advice, visit our comprehensive haemorrhoid advice resource.

Book Your Appointment Online

Common Questions

Find out more answers →

Haemorrhoid centre London

93 Wardour Street
London, W1F 0UD

Haemorrhoid centre Glasgow

1 Blythswood Square
Glasgow, G2 4AD

Tel: +44 7456438938

Email: info@haemorrhoidcentre.com

How to Use Haemorrhoid Centre Effectively: Complete Guide

Getting Started with Haemorrhoid Centre

Begin your journey to haemorrhoid relief by signing up and completing your comprehensive profile. This ensures you receive the most personalized treatment experience tailored to your specific condition and medical history. Understanding the different types of haemorrhoids you may have will help our specialists provide the most effective treatment plan.

Haemorrhoid Smells: Causes & Treatment

Haemorrhoid Smells: An Uncomfortable Truth

Haemorrhoids are already an uncomfortable topic, but the question of whether they can cause a smell can be even more awkward. However, it's true: piles can sometimes emit an unpleasant odour, especially if they become inflamed. Understanding this symptom is the first step toward effective management and treatment. Learning about different haemorrhoid types can help you understand why some cause odours while others don't.

Anal Pressure and Haemorrhoids: Symptoms & Treatment

What is Anal Pressure?

If you suffer from piles (haemorrhoids), you may experience a persistent feeling of pressure around the bottom, almost as if you constantly want to open your bowels (called tenesmus). This uncomfortable sensation can be inconvenient and distressing, making you constantly aware of the nearest toilet when out and about. The pressure originates from your rectum, the last few inches of your large intestine where waste matter is stored before elimination. Understanding different haemorrhoid types can help explain why some cause more pressure than others.

Sentinel Piles: Symptoms & Treatment Options

What Are Sentinel Piles?

Sentinel piles, also known as sentinel tags or anal skin tags, are small, soft growths of excess skin around the anal opening. Unlike true haemorrhoids, these are not swollen blood vessels but rather remnants of healed anal fissures or previous haemorrhoid episodes. They serve as 'sentinels' marking the site of previous anal trauma or inflammation. Understanding different haemorrhoid types helps distinguish sentinel piles from active haemorrhoids. Many people confuse them with external haemorrhoids or wonder how to shrink hemorrhoid skin tag formations.

Cycling and Piles: Prevention & Safe Riding

The Relationship Between Cycling and Haemorrhoids

Cycling is an excellent form of exercise, but prolonged pressure on the perineum (area between the genitals and anus) can potentially contribute to haemorrhoid development or worsen existing piles. Understanding this relationship helps cyclists enjoy their sport while minimizing risks to anal health. Different haemorrhoid types may be affected differently by cycling activities.

Best Cream for Piles: Complete Guide to Haemorrhoid Creams UK

Understanding Haemorrhoid Creams: An Overview

When searching for the best cream for piles or best hemorrhoid cream UK, you'll find numerous options available over-the-counter. Popular choices include Anusol cream, hemorrhoids cream, piles cream, Germoloids cream, and various other topical treatments. These creams aim to provide temporary relief from symptoms like itching, swelling, and discomfort associated with haemorrhoids. However, it's important to understand that while creams like piles cream or hemorrhoids cream can offer symptomatic relief, they don't address the underlying cause of haemorrhoids. For comprehensive treatment for piles, professional piles treatment may be necessary.